Reconstructing a Cancer Survivor
Donation protected
My name is Rachel. A few years ago, I survived a deadly bone cancer called Osteogenic Sarcoma. I was given only a 20% chance of survival ... but in spite of the odds I'm still here!
But the legacy of the bone cancer lives on. The tumour grew in my nose and when it was removed ... all the bone and some of the skin from my nose had to be removed too. I have already had five traumatic reconstructive surgeries to rebuild my nose ... a rib bone graft was taken to create a new bridge and skin grafts from my wrist and forehead were used to replace the excised skin.
I need two more surgeries to complete the process and give me a "normal" looking face. I will still have some scars, but I will at least have a chance to look like a regular person.
I have endured years of rude comments and stares from complete strangers. It's hard to express how deeply it hurts to be stared at and have people just walk up to you and ask you "what happened to your face?"
It's hard to explain how much I long to blend in and not attract attention! I want it so badly that I was willing to go through all these painful and difficult surgeries just for the hope of looking normal again.
These surgeries, plus the lost income from the weeks of recovery and rehabilitation, have taken a huge toll on my life and finances. I am single and I don't get paid unless I work ... so I have absolutely no support to help me through this process. I have depleted all my savings and have reached the threshold of eviction twice now! The extra stress and worry certainly doesn't help with my recovery.

However I remain positive that somehow I will get through this and get my life back to normal. With your help and support ... I will be finally be able to put the nightmare of bone cancer and deformity behind me for good.
I am on the level 3 elective surgery list, waiting for my last two surgeries. This could mean a very long wait. Right now, my face is unfinished and without these two remaining surgeries ... I will always look wonky and lopsided!
If I can raise enough funds with your generous donations, I will be able to pay for the final two surgeries ... then I will be able to get on with the healing process and the rest of my life.
I'm hoping that some compassionate people out there will help me to live a normal life again. I would like to thank you so much for reading this and listening to my story.
Rachel
But the legacy of the bone cancer lives on. The tumour grew in my nose and when it was removed ... all the bone and some of the skin from my nose had to be removed too. I have already had five traumatic reconstructive surgeries to rebuild my nose ... a rib bone graft was taken to create a new bridge and skin grafts from my wrist and forehead were used to replace the excised skin.
I need two more surgeries to complete the process and give me a "normal" looking face. I will still have some scars, but I will at least have a chance to look like a regular person.
I have endured years of rude comments and stares from complete strangers. It's hard to express how deeply it hurts to be stared at and have people just walk up to you and ask you "what happened to your face?"
It's hard to explain how much I long to blend in and not attract attention! I want it so badly that I was willing to go through all these painful and difficult surgeries just for the hope of looking normal again.
These surgeries, plus the lost income from the weeks of recovery and rehabilitation, have taken a huge toll on my life and finances. I am single and I don't get paid unless I work ... so I have absolutely no support to help me through this process. I have depleted all my savings and have reached the threshold of eviction twice now! The extra stress and worry certainly doesn't help with my recovery.
However I remain positive that somehow I will get through this and get my life back to normal. With your help and support ... I will be finally be able to put the nightmare of bone cancer and deformity behind me for good.
I am on the level 3 elective surgery list, waiting for my last two surgeries. This could mean a very long wait. Right now, my face is unfinished and without these two remaining surgeries ... I will always look wonky and lopsided!
If I can raise enough funds with your generous donations, I will be able to pay for the final two surgeries ... then I will be able to get on with the healing process and the rest of my life.
I'm hoping that some compassionate people out there will help me to live a normal life again. I would like to thank you so much for reading this and listening to my story.
Rachel
Organizer
Rachel Jones
Organizer
Scarborough WA
